Forklift News - 10-YEAR CONTRACT SIGNED: CATERPILLAR DUO EXTEND THEIR COURTSHIP

PEORIA, Illinois, USA -- Caterpillar Logistics Services Inc will continue to provide parts logistics to Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc (MCFA) after the signing of a 10-year contract on August 18.

The agreement extends the companies' relationship until 2010, serving MCFA dealers in North, Central and South America, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

MCFA manufactures Caterpillar lift trucks and Mitsubishi forklifts at its Houston, Texas headquarters; in Almere, The Netherlands; and Sagamihara, Japan.

Cat Logistics president Bill Springer said the company was proud to extend its relationship with MCFA.

"By working closely (together), we have met world-class service standards for the lift truck industry. (We are) looking forward to our continued close relations with MCFA ... to set new standards of excellence in logistics practice," he said.

Cat Logistics, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc, provides integrated logistics solutions incorporating information technology, distribution, transport and inventory management, and product support. The company employs almost 3500 people in 17 facilities worldwide.

Since beginning their partnership in 1994, the two companies have seen part availability and inventory turnover increased, while logistics costs as a percentage of sales have declined.

The result for MCFA customers has been "industry-leading service at a competitive cost", Mr Springer said.

MCFA president Yoichiro Okazaki said his company hoped to further enhance its parts distribution and service support.

"MCFA has been very pleased with the world-class logistics services provided by Cat Logistics over the past six years ... (We) look forward to continuing our relationship," he said.

In other news, Caterpillar Inc has entered into a commercial agreement to sell its used construction equipment through online auction website IronPlanet.

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